James Avery Tribute Video: The Best of Uncle Phil

The television world was rocked by the sad death of James Avery yesterday.

The veteran actor, best known for portraying Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, passed away from heart surgery complications and is being mourned this week by friends and former colleagues.

Tweeted Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton on the beloved sitcom, confirming Avery's death: “I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly.”